Musically, McDonald didn't go country for Idol's "songs from the movies" week, but instead offered up an, er, lively performance of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" from Risky Business.

Wow. Well, between his strut down the stairs, quasi-victory lap around the judges table, and ham session with the saxophonist, McDonald certainly couldn't be any further out of his shell.

Idol's judges appear to be digging the fearlessness.

"America, you just witnessed the first number at the Paul McDonald concert," Randy Jackson said.

"Every time you come out here, you're going a little bit further in your performance, in your abandon, just letting go," Jennifer Lopez said. "It's like watching a diamond in the rough, and it's like every week, (there's) a little bit more polish."

But was this performance polished enough to put McDonald in the top 7? It's anyone's guess -- especially since fan and judge favorite Pia Toscano was voted off last week in the biggest shocker of the season.

We'll find out McDonald's fate tonight (Thursday, August 14) on Idol's results show, which will also feature a performance from Jason Aldean and Idol's first champion, Kelly Clarkson. The show airs at 7 Central tonight on Fox.